Trials soon for tidal 'game changer'

The world’s most powerful tidal turbine is due to begin testing in Orkney.

Scotrenewables' SR2000 has been hailed as a potential “game changer” by Scotland's Business, Innovation and Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse.

At 63 metres in length, the SR2000 is longer than Edinburgh’s Scott Monument and is capable of generating 2 megawatts (MW) of power - enough to meet the needs of approximately 1,000 homes over the course of a year.

Mr Wheelhouse visited Hatston pier where the unit is undergoing final commissioning checks in advance of being connected to its mooring system at the European Marine Energy Centre’s test site in Orkney.

He said: “Scotland’s capacity to generate tidal power is considerable and this device has the potential to be a real game changer for the industry, not only here in Scotland, but across the world.

“Floating technology like this is likely to be easy and cheap to install, maintain and decommission. This will increase the commercial viability of tidal energy, which is crucial as we continue to transition towards a low carbon economy.

“It is encouraging that Scottish Government investment has helped move the project to this point. I congratulate Scotrenewables on reaching this significant milestone and look forward to staying up to date on the testing programme.”

Andrew Scott, chief executive officer of Scotrenewables, said: “The Scottish Government has been consistent in its vision and support for the marine renewables sector.

"That has been vital in getting a second generation technology like ours to this stage, and it is great to have the Minister come to see and hear about the exciting opportunities we’re aiming to create.

"It’s obviously a critical phase in the project but we’re looking forward to the test programme and providing clear evidence of the significant advantages our technology can bring to the sector whilst offering a step reduction in costs.”

The project has been supported by Scottish Enterprise’s WATERS II scheme, along with investments from Scotrenewables’ shareholders which include ABB, DP Energy, Fred. Olsen, Total and the Scottish Government via the Renewable Energy Investment Fund (REIF).